If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet with just a hint of heat, look no further than this delightful Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe. It’s a fusion of rich, buttery sweetness with a spicy kick, making it a favorite weeknight dinner that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: This dish marries sweet honey and spicy cayenne for a well-rounded taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, it’s perfect for any level of cooking experience.
- Customizable Heat: You control the spice level, from a gentle warmth to a fiery kick.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish everyone at the table will enjoy, making dinner time a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe uses a selection of ingredients that might already be in your pantry. These components work in harmony, ensuring that each bite is as flavorful as the last.
- Organic Chicken Breasts: Choosing organic ensures a juicy, tender texture that’s healthier and tastier.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This oil brings a beautiful richness and supports the seasoning in adhering to the chicken.
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A versatile mix that enhances the foundational flavors.
- Homemade Hot Honey Sauce: Made with butter, honey, and spices, it’s what gives the dish its signature allure.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe by mixing and matching ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some suggestions for customizing it to better meet your culinary needs.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Tone down the heat by reducing cayenne or amp it up for spice lovers.
- Herbal Infusion: Add thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Different Cuts: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs or wings for a variation in texture.
How to Make Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Prep + Season the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken in olive oil, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Make small slits on each breast for deeper flavor penetration.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Stir in honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until smooth and fragrant.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet. Arrange the seasoned chicken, spoon over half of the sauce, and bake until perfectly cooked. Remove, cool slightly, and drizzle the rest of the sauce before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on oven temperature to prevent drying the chicken out, aiming for juicy perfection.
- Thorough Marination: Let the chicken sit with the spices longer for fuller flavors if you have extra time.
- Sauce Double Duty: Reserve half of the sauce to add on top after cooking for richer taste.
- Garnish to Impress: Finish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, allowing the intense flavors to stand out while offering a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it on a platter with dipping skewers alongside small bowls of extra hot honey sauce for communal dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a quick and easy meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap tightly to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it retains its original deliciousness.
FAQs
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Can I make the hot honey sauce less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your preference for a milder taste.
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Is it necessary to use organic chicken breasts?
While not mandatory, organic chicken often provides a better texture and flavor, contributing to the dish’s overall quality.
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Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time for more in-depth flavors and quicker meal prep.
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What side dishes complement this recipe?
Roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad are all excellent companions to the flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delectable blend of sweet and spicy, this Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and enjoy the delightful harmony of flavors; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, tender chicken breasts baked with a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This easy recipe combines flavorful seasoning, homemade hot honey sauce, and oven roasting for a delicious, crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients
CHICKEN:
- 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
HOMEMADE HOT HONEY SAUCE:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup organic raw honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare and season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil and the seasoning mix, including the On Everything blend, smoked paprika (if using), and sea salt. Cut small slits on each breast to help the flavors penetrate. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally longer.
- Make the hot honey sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Preheat oven: To 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about half of the hot honey sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon the remaining hot honey sauce over the top and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your preferred sides.
Notes
- STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- MAKE AHEAD: Seasoned chicken and hot honey sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in the fridge.
- SPICES/HERBS: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne and red pepper flakes according to taste.
- CHICKEN CUTS: This recipe works well with chicken thighs or tenders for different textures.
- HOT HONEY: If you prefer store-bought, Mike’s Hot Honey is highly recommended for consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
- Fat: Approximately 14g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80mg
